Sofia-5-day-itinerary
Sofia, Bulgaria 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration
- Morning: Arrive in Sofia and check-in at Hotel Arena di Serdica or similar.
- 10:00 AM: Start your day at the Sofia Central Market Hall, a beautiful example of Neo-Renaissance architecture.
- 12:00 PM: Walk to the nearby Banya Bashi Mosque, one of the oldest and most impressive mosques in Bulgaria.
- 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Made in Home, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Bulgarian cuisine.
- 3:00 PM: Visit the National Museum of History, which features a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing Bulgaria’s rich history.
- 7:00 PM: Enjoy a traditional Bulgarian dinner at Pod Lipite restaurant.
Day 2: Sofia’s Landmarks
- 9:00 AM: Start the day with breakfast at Rainbow Factory, a trendy café serving delicious pastries and coffee.
- 10:30 AM: Visit the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox churches in the world.
- 12:30 PM: Explore the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, a stunning building with impressive architecture.
- 2:00 PM: Grab lunch at Momo, a popular restaurant serving international cuisine.
- 4:00 PM: Visit the Sofia Synagogue, one of the largest synagogues in Europe.
Day 3: Mount Vitosha and Boyana Church
- 9:00 AM: Take a morning bus ( № 66 or 69) from Sofia to Mount Vitosha, a popular hiking destination.
- 11:00 AM: Hike to the top of Mount Vitosha, enjoying breathtaking views of the city.
- 2:00 PM: Have lunch at one of the mountain huts or restaurants.
- 4:00 PM: Visit the Boyana Church, a medieval Orthodox church and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Mehana Cherna Kotka, a traditional Bulgarian restaurant.
Day 4: Rila Monastery and Wine Tasting
- 9:00 AM: Take a day trip to the Rila Monastery, a stunning Orthodox monastery located about an hour from Sofia.
- 12:30 PM: Have lunch at one of the monastery’s restaurants or cafes.
- 2:30 PM: Visit the Dragalevtsi Winery for wine tasting and tour.
- 6:00 PM: Return to Sofia and enjoy dinner at The Little Bird, a cozy restaurant serving international cuisine.
Day 5: Flea Market and Departure
- 9:00 AM: Visit the bustling Sofia Flea Market, where you can find unique souvenirs and antiques.
- 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at a nearby café or restaurant.
- 2:00 PM: Spend the afternoon shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring the city’s hidden gems.
- 5:00 PM: Departure from Sofia.
Transportation
- From the airport, take bus № 84 to the city center ( approx. 30-40 minutes).
- Use public transportation, taxis, or ride-hailing apps like Uber or Taxify to get around the city.
Tips and Other Things of Interest
- Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
- Language: Bulgarian, but many people speak English.
- Safety: Sofia is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
- Weather: Sofia has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Pack accordingly.
- Festivals and Events: Check the city’s event calendar for festivals like the Sofia Film Festival or concerts at the National Palace of Culture.
Where to Stay
- Hotel Arena di Serdica
- Sofia Hotel Balkan
- Airbnb options in the city center
Where to Eat
Other Things of Interest
- National Art Gallery: Features a collection of Bulgarian and international art.
- Sofia Zoo: A popular attraction for families with kids.
- Mount Vitosha Nature Park: Offers hiking trails, skiing, and stunning views of the city.